412-680-7877
925 Park Plaza, Wexford, PA 15090
Pennsylvania Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Attorney Representing Victims in Cases Involving Sexual Harrassment and Wrongful Termination
Far too many people in workplaces throughout the United States experience sexual harassment. There are many situations where employees may experience harassment by supervisors or coworkers, and this can sometimes rise to the level of employment discrimination that can affect a person's ability to maintain employment, their future job prospects, and their personal life.
It is not always easy to understand how to respond to sexual harassment. By understanding what is considered to be sexual harassment and the rights that apply to employees who have experienced these issues, victims can determine their best options. At Colianni & Leonard LLC, we provide legal help and representation to sexual harassment victims, working to ensure that they will be able to protect their rights and receive compensation for the ways they have been affected. To set up a free consultation and learn how we can help with these issues, contact us at 412-680-7877.
Know Your Rights
Two Types of Illegal Sexual Harassment
- Quid pro quo harassment in which a person is threatened with punishment or offered benefits based on their responses to sexual advances or requests for sexual favors
- Hostile work environment harassment in which actions or comments related to a person's gender or sexual orientation or other inappropriate behavior affect a victim's ability to perform work
Common Forms of Sexual Harassment
There are a wide variety of actions that can be considered sexual harassment. In some cases, comments or behavior by coworkers may make a person feel uncomfortable, and by reporting these concerns to management, a person can ensure that they will be able to work in a positive environment. In more serious situations, a person may experience retaliation for reporting harassment. Some types of sexual harassment that may need to be addressed include:
- Unwanted sexual advances made by a supervisor or coworker
- Touching a person without their permission or encroaching on their personal space
- Sending sexual messages or pictures to a person via email, text message, or social media
- Making inappropriate comments about a person's appearance, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Using offensive language or telling inappropriate jokes
- Sharing offensive materials with coworkers, such as pornographic images or videos
Coping With Harassment and Documenting Evidence
Those who have experienced sexual harassment will often struggle with emotional trauma. They may also experience professional consequences due to the actions of a harasser. Victims can take steps to cope with sexual harassment and address the ways they have been affected. They will also want to fully document sexual harassment and gather evidence to show that harassment has occurred and how they have been affected. This will ensure that they will be able to protect their rights and take the proper legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they have suffered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can My Employer Punish Me for Reporting Sexual Harassment?
Answer: No. Employees are allowed to report any concerns about harassment to their employer, and the employer is required to respond appropriately to make sure harassment does not continue. An employer cannot fire, demote, reassign, or otherwise penalize an employee for reporting sexual harassment.
Can Men Be Victims of Sexual Harassment?
Answer: Yes. People of all genders may experience harassment by others, including same-sex sexual harassment. Men may experience quid pro quo harassment by managers or supervisors, or other forms of harassment may create a hostile work environment, such as inappropriate jokes or sexual comments made by coworkers.
Are Comments About Appearance Considered Sexual Harassment?
Answer: To be considered harassment, behavior must usually be persistent and continuing. A single comment about a person's appearance may not be considered harassment. However, repeated comments made after a person has been asked to stop may constitute harassment.
Can Sexual Harassment Be Committed by a Company's Customers?
Answer: Employees have protections against harassment by any parties present in their workplace. Actions by a customer can be reported to a supervisor. If the company fails to take the proper action to address the situation, the employee may be able to make a sexual harassment claim.
Contact Our Allegheny County Sexual Harassment Attorneys
For legal help with workplace sexual harassment, set up a free consultation with an experienced lawyer by filling out the form below or calling our office at 412-680-7877.
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